Don’t study alone. Stay focused, together.
Are you struggling to maintain your study routine in the virtual world? We're excited to introduce an incredible new resource to help you succeed this semester: our Virtual Study Hall sessions, hosted on Zoom every week! These sessions are open to all of our students, and we can't wait to see you there.
Join Your Classmates for a More Productive Study Session.
Studying by yourself can be challenging, especially when distractions are just a click away. But fear not, because our Virtual Study Hall sessions are here to provide you with the support, structure, and motivation you need to thrive in your coursework.
You don’t have to study alone. There is a way for you to stay focused, while working on your assignments, with the support of others in the course.
During these sessions, you have the opportunity to join your classmates during dedicated hours of the week. Each session is designed to last for several hours, giving you the flexibility to pop into the meeting at any time and stay as long as you like.
Keep reading to learn more about these sessions, and to gain a few tips to help you make the most of these times together.
What to Expect in Our Virtual Study Hall
When you join one of these study sessions on Zoom, you'll discover a range of benefits that can transform your study experience:
1. Get Real-Time Instructor Support
Are you grappling with a challenging concept or need clarification on a topic? Our experienced instructors will be available in real-time during the sessions. Take a quick break from your studies, check-in with your instructor, ask questions, and get the help you need to excel in your studies. You can get our attention by turning on your mic, sending us a message in the chat, or raising your hand using Zoom’s “Reactions” feature.
Raise your hand. Click “Reactions” and select the emoji that is raising its hand. This will notify the meeting’s host that you need assistance.
Don’t see an instructor in your room? They might be busy helping another student. If you are currently inside a room, click “Breakout Rooms” and select “Ask for Help”. This will notify the meeting’s host that you need assistance without you needing to leave.
Or try leaving your Breakout Room. Click “Leave Room” and go to the Main Session of the Zoom meeting, and look for the “Host”.
2. Select a Breakout Room for Your Specific Needs
One of the standout features of our Virtual Study Hall is the ability to select your own Breakout Room. Whether you need a quiet space to focus on your assignments or want to collaborate with classmates, you can choose the room that best suits your study style.
Click “Breakout Rooms” and select the room that you are looking for.
Want to chat with a friend? Join a Meeting Room.
Want to study quietly? Join a Focus Room.
Need another room to work in? Ask the host, and they can create more rooms for you!
3. The Focus Room (A Quiet Study Environment)
For those moments when you need solitude to concentrate, our Virtual Study Hall provides a quiet, distraction-free environment. You can immerse yourself in your coursework without any interruptions.
How to join this room? Click “Breakout Rooms” and select the “Focus Room”.
Please turn off your microphone while you’re in the Focus Room, so that you don’t distract your classmates.
Video is optional in the Focus Room. Turn on your camera if you are comfortable with it on, this might help you stay accountable to yourself and others. But turn off your camera if this is distracting to you or if it makes you feel uncomfortable, it’s okay. (The point is to stay focused while you’re in the Focus Room.)
4. Meeting Rooms (Collaborative Opportunities)
Studying is often more effective when you have a study buddy. When you join a Virtual Study Hall on Zoom, you can work together with classmates, discuss complex topics, and share study strategies. It's a dynamic and collaborative learning experience right from your own home.
How to join this room? Click “Breakout Rooms” and select a “Meeting Room” that is empty, and invite your classmates to join you.
When joining a Meeting Room, take care that you don’t interrupt a meeting that is already taking place in that room.
Turn on your microphone and start collaborating!
5. Boost Productivity with the Pomodoro Technique
Research has shown that the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working in focused bursts with short breaks, can significantly improve productivity. Studies have found that brief breaks during tasks can lead to improved focus and retention.
While studying in our Focus Room, you can easily implement the Pomodoro Technique to help you stay on track. Set a timer for your next study session (for example, 25 minutes). Challenge yourself to stay focused for that entire period of time without any distractions And when the timer rings, take a short break by moving away from your desk or going for a 5-10 minute walk outside. Then come back and focus on another 25 minute session without stopping, or if you are ready for more, increase your time to 50 minutes, You’ll be surprised how well this simple technique works! This scientifically proven method will help you maintain your concentration and ensure you don't overexert yourself during your study sessions.
Want to try this study method with a friend? Invite them to do a 25 or 50 minute session with you. When you’re both ready, set your timers, focus on your work, wait for the timer to go off, and then play a game or have a relaxing chat together.
Learn more about the Pomodoro Technique, and tips for how to use it correctly:
Don’t have a timer? Use a video like this one to help you stay focused for 25-minute intervals.
Ready to dig in and study for a longer period of time? Stay focused for 50-minute intervals.
How to Join A Virtual Study Hall
Participating in our Virtual Study Hall sessions is easy:
Get reminders: Sign up so you don’t miss it, click here to find out when the next session is taking place, or browse the calendar below.
Join the Zoom Meeting: On the day of the session, simply click here to join our public meeting room on Zoom. (Or go to our main Webinars page and click the “JOIN RIGHT NOW” button.) You'll be greeted by your instructors and fellow students ready to embark on a productive study session.
Conclusion
As both teachers and students, we understand the challenges of studying independently online. Our Virtual Study Hall sessions are designed to address these challenges by offering you a supportive, structured, and engaging study environment. Whether you're seeking real-time help from instructors, collaborating with classmates, or simply need a quiet place to study, our Virtual Study Hall has you covered.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to enhance your academic journey. Join us each week, and experience a whole new level of academic success. We can't wait to study together and see you excel!
“#1 TIP FROM THIS ARTICLE: Set a timer for your next study session (for example, 25 minutes). Challenge yourself to stay focused for that entire period of time without any distractions. And when the timer rings, take a short break by moving away from your desk or going for a 5-10 minute walk outside. Then come back and focus on another 25 minute session without stopping, or if you are ready for more, increase your time to 50 minutes, You’ll be surprised how well this simple technique works! ”
